Monday, January 1

The more things change?

Drilling 50 metres deep, German scientists discovered small pieces of copper in core samples taken at several sites in their country. After studying the bits of metal, they announced that 25,000 years ago, ancient Germans had a nationwide telephone network.

Naturally the British did not want to be outdone. British scientists dug even deeper and found small pieces of glass. After some study, they announced that 35,000 years ago, ancient Brits had a nationwide fibre-optic network.

French scientists were outraged. They dug 100, 200, 300 metres deep ... and found nothing except dirt and rock.

Finally they announced proudly: 55,000 years ago, the ancient French used cellular phones.